Seven people killed in Ukraine's attack on Russia

Seven people killed in Ukraine's attack on Russia

An explosion in Belgorod, Russia, has resulted in the collapse of a section of a 10-storey apartment building, leading to casualties and injuries. The incident has sparked controversy, with Russian authorities attributing the blast to a Ukrainian strike, while Ukrainian officials cast doubt on this claim.

Belgorod, located near the border with Kharkiv in Ukraine, has been subject to sporadic attacks from Ukrainian forces since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, previous cross-border strikes were reportedly aimed at military targets and not civilian areas.

Sequence of Events

The explosion occurred near the base of the apartment building, causing a significant portion of it to collapse, as captured by CCTV footage from the scene.
The regional governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, attributed the explosion to a Ukrainian shell, implicating Ukraine in the incident.
Conflicting reports emerged, with a Ukrainian official suggesting the possibility of a Russian bomb intended for Ukraine but potentially misfired.
Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with images showing rescuers searching through the rubble by hand for survivors.
Surrounding apartments were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to fears of further collapse.
At least two fatalities have been confirmed, with multiple injuries reported among residents.

Witness Accounts

A resident recounted the harrowing experience of her husband being injured in the blast while in their bedroom, emphasizing the lack of time to escape.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic aftermath of the explosion, with debris strewn across the area and emergency services rushing to the scene.

Response and Investigation

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Authorities are working to rescue individuals believed to be trapped under the rubble and provide medical assistance to the injured.
Both Russian and Ukrainian officials have expressed condolences to the victims and their families, while also calling for a transparent investigation into the cause of the explosion.

The apartment building collapse in Belgorod highlights the devastating consequences of conflict and underscores the need for measures to protect civilians and prevent further escalation. As investigations continue, it is essential for all parties involved to cooperate and ensure accountability for the incident.